Idaho Lawmakers Urge Pause on $14 Million Childcare Funding Amid Fraud Concerns
Lawmakers Request Temporary Halt to Childcare Funding
Two Idaho Republican lawmakers have asked the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to temporarily pause a $14 million childcare funding initiative, citing concerns raised by large-scale fraud investigations involving similar programs in other states.
The request calls for suspending new contracts and payments tied to Senate Bill 1206 for fiscal year 2026 while additional safeguards are reviewed.
Funding Tied to Senate Bill 1206
Senate Bill 1206 allocated $14 million in previously unspent federal funds to support Idaho’s Child Care Program. The funding was intended to expand access to childcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
The lawmakers’ request does not allege any confirmed fraud within Idaho’s childcare programs.
Oversight Concerns Raised by Federal Investigations
In a letter sent Wednesday to Health and Welfare Director Juliet Charron, Senator Brian Lenney and Representative Josh Tanner cited ongoing federal investigations in Minnesota involving alleged fraud in public assistance programs, including childcare subsidies.
The lawmakers argued that those cases demonstrate potential weaknesses in oversight that could also pose risks in Idaho if additional funding moves forward without enhanced controls.
Request for Safeguards and Program Review
The letter asks the department to:
- Pause new disbursements tied to the program
- Develop and implement strengthened fraud prevention measures
- Review prior grants and subsidies for potential misuse
- Brief lawmakers on any recommended changes to oversight or state law
Specific areas of concern outlined include enrollment verification, financial transparency, inspection protocols, and coordination with the Idaho Attorney General’s Office.
The lawmakers requested a written response from the department by Jan. 10, 2026.
Federal Coordination Highlighted
The letter also notes that Idaho may be well positioned to coordinate with federal partners on childcare oversight.
Former Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Alex Adams currently oversees federal childcare programs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, former Idaho legislator Wendy Horman is expected to assume a leadership role within the federal Office of Child Care later this month.
Lawmakers Emphasize Continuity of Services
Despite requesting a pause, Lenney and Tanner stated that they do not want Idaho families to lose access to childcare services.
They said the goal of the request is to protect taxpayer funds while ensuring families continue to receive access to legitimate, high-quality childcare.
Agency Response Pending
As of publication, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has not publicly responded to the request or indicated whether a pause in funding is under consideration.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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